After an emotional episode of “This is Us,” a lot of people are wondering if a crockpot can really catch fire. The answer is yes, but the likelihood is very low.
Firefighters with Unified Fire Authority of Utah showed us what to watch for and how to put a fire out before it gets out of control.
Every year, about 170,000 fires nationwide start due to cooking equipment, according to the National Fire Protection Association. As fans of “This is Us” saw in Sunday night’s episode, there are many ways a kitchen fire can spark. Eric Holmes with Unified Fire Authority pointed out potential dangers in the kitchen that homeowners should be aware of.
While portable cooking devices, like crockpots, only cause about 5 percent of kitchen fires nationwide, Holmes said it’s critical to check the cords on your small appliances, and if they’re damaged, he said throw them out.
“Make sure they’re not split or cracked and make sure there’s not any bare wire exposed,” he said. “I think unplugging small appliances is also a great idea.”
About 4 percent of fires start in the microwave and about 13 percent start in the oven. Holmes said to prevent the fire from spreading to just turn off the heat and close the door.
“Let’s try to smother it,” he said. “Let’s try to reduce the oxygen as much as possible.”
But the majority of house fires start on the stovetop — 62 percent. Holmes said if this happens, to move the pan away from the heat if you can and put on a lid to take away the oxygen— but not if the flames get out of control.
“If that happens in your house, go ahead and call 911 and get out,” Holmes said.
UFA firefighters did a demonstration in one of their training centers, showing how “not” to put out a grease fire. They dumped water on it, and a flash fire ensued, reaching the ceiling. (To watch, click on the video above).
Firefighters also said to make sure you’re keeping anything that can catch fire away from the heat source, whether it’s a stove or a crockpot. And the best thing you can have in your kitchen is a fire extinguisher.
